Suppose you’re a Barack Obama supporter in Los Angeles and you’re heading to the president-elect’s Jan. 20 inauguration in Washington.
Flying across the country on a jumbo jet, sleeping two nights in a hotel and getting around the city on public transit will result in the equivalent emission of 0.975 metric tons of carbon dioxide, according to obamacarboncalc.com, an online calculator developed by the British environmental monitoring firm Ecometrica Ltd.
After computing the cost of offsetting your emissions — about $10 — Ecometrica will direct you to the Maryland nonprofit Carbonfund.org to invest in wind farms and other clean-energy projects.
So to make Obama’s swearing in easier on the planet, official organizers of the inauguration and associated events are promising everything from galas with recyclable carpet and organic hors d’oeuvres to additional subway cars and manure-scoopers along Obama’s 1.7-mile parade route.
About 100 volunteers will collect recyclable materials discarded along the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route, which begins at Fourth Street and ends at the White House. Additional volunteers will scoop up horse droppings, which will be sold as fertilizer to a local farm, said Griffiths, whose colleagues are working with a U.S. EPA liaison.
Hmmm….Why can’t they have projects like these when there ISN’T an inauguration going on?
Scores of “heat sheets” — metallic blankets handed out to parade onlookers to keep warm — will be donated to local homeless shelters after the inauguration.
The inaugural platform and runner at the western base of the Capitol will feature 725 square yards of recyclable, royal blue carpet that was hand-ironed by employees of House Chief Administrative Officer Dan Beard. His staffers will also hang 80 swags, cascades and pleated panels made of water-resistant red, white and blue fabric.
Interesting…What are your thoughts on this? Are you planning on attending the Inauguration or know anyone that is?
Source: E&E’s Greenwire (Subscription required)
For restrictions/Street Closings: http://inauguration.dc.gov/closures.asp
For the Inauguration schedule: http://www.pic2009.org/pages/schedule
I’m not planning to attend, I have to work and the world doesn’t stop moving when there’s a new president.
Even if it’s a new black president, as much as many would wish it could.
I don’t understand why we can’t take steps like this in our DAILY lives as a whole country to improve our world.
I don’t understand the term “carbon footprint.” It will now be my afternoon project.
It’s basically the measure of impact we leave on the environment based on the amount of greenhouse gases that our activities produce.
I am watching it online. WOOO ME GOING GREEN!
Me too!!
Woot!
I really wish the same thing. I think it’s ridiculous that special occasions are the only times we pay attention to things that we should be considerate of on a daily basis.
Thinks it would interesting to attend, but unfortunately I can’t make it. 😉
I’m glad they are doing it, but I agree – why don’t they do this every day, not just when there’sa huge event….
XOXOXO
I think you need to stop talking in Plurk.
LMAO DANG IT! It’s pretty bad when I don’t even realize it any more. LMAO
Exactly! I mean, it’s all good but the effort that they are making ON inauguration day won’t offset all of the damage and most tourist are in town for the whole week.
Why make it just for a day? Why not EVERY day?
We want jobs to be created. How about we create jobs for public services like these?
xo
Shh, don’t TELL her!!! Let her look it up! ROFL
<3
Well, I’m sure she’ll still do a little research on it.
I’ll ummm…
I’ll be… er…
Unfortunately I can’t make it that day, I have an appointment to uhh… get my nails done? 😐
Despite the hesitations many business leaders had about what Obama might do once taking office, I think he’s taken the right steps and made some great cabinet choices that leave myself and many others in great confidence of his direction. Especially, when looking towards supporting the green energy industry and creating green-collar jobs, Obama is definitely on the right track.
Especially if the next round of the stimulus package is able to help create the foundations of a “green-collar” economy.
Kevin G. Davis
Managing Director | Emerald Endeavors
For the latest in Green Energy & Clean Technology News, visit http://www.EmeraldEndeavors.com
I am absolutely steering clear of all things to do with the Inauguration.
I don’t blame ya!
Good content, I will be back to read more